Today is May 19, 2009. That means that in just over one month from today, A Day for Africa 2009 will commence.

That's right, on June 20th 2009 eight communities across Canada will be operating the program with the goal of raising $100,000.00 CAD. Lofty? Perhaps, but being the dreamers that we are we certainly don't hesitate to dream big. We don't just dream either, for this program is all about action. With this in mind, I want to tell the story of how I became inspired to take action and help support people affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In late November 2006 I travelled with my parents to Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, British Columbia to see Stephen Lewis speak. I did not know who he was or what he had to say, but after some preliminary research I was quick to understand that this man was someone worth listening to.

When I arrived at the auditorium I began to observe the crowd. As I sat there something struck me. Amongst the crowd of over 700 people, very few were as young or younger than myself (I was 21 at the time). This bothered me, but I soon put that annoyance behind me as Mr. Lewis took the stage.

An aside: For those of you who haven't had the absolute privilege of seeing Mr. Lewis speak in person, I highly suggest that you make arrangements to do so. There is no doubt in my mind that Stephen Lewis is one of the best speakers in the world. Back to the story...

Mr. Lewis mesmerized the audience that night with his on-stage prowess and captivating stories. I was touched deeply by what he had to say, and more importantly - I was enraged! I decided right then and there that I could do something. Moreover, I decided that I had the responsibility to do something. With this in mind, I designed a program to support people affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa and worked to manage it in a way that would engage young people. This program later became known as A Day for Africa and that's how it all started~